Looks & Life Lately {27}

Life lately has been all about getting in those final summer activities before the next season starts.

top: flaunt boutique / necklace: here / tassel earrings: here

I've lucked out at the past Lilly Pulitzer After Party Sales but I think this was the best spot in "line" I got - even though part of my order got cancelled, at least I didn't wait too long.

Now that some days it's cooling off... slightly, it's perfect trail walking weather.

We've been enjoying our favorite McCarthy Salad imitations lately because it's quick, easy & delicious.

'Tis the season.  I couldn't resist picking up a couple new fall items to add to the collection.  I'm thinking right after Labor Day to change up the decor for the season.

Deck time for a cocktail at my parents' house for just the three of us... plus the pups.

Sometimes it's fun to just make one of the originals.

... And the daily dose of Stella

Until Next Season: Final Lake Shots

After today we have just one more day left in August and I'm wondering, how did the summer go by so quickly?  We spent our final summer weekend at the lake.  It's crazy that we started this summer off thinking it was our last at the lake and now we have a new house and even got in a couple weekends at the new place this summer.

This weekend was all of the usual - we headed up Friday after work and the weather was perfect so it was all about dock time on Saturday and Sunday.  We visited with plenty of family, did some boating and had a nice happy hour Saturday night followed by Mexican night.

Until next season... 

tops (lilly pulitzer): similar style

wine glasses (lilly pulitzer): here

Loving

Chokers are making a comeback and I must say it's one style I always loved ever since Kristin Cavalari was sporting them on her Laguna Beach days.  I saw this photo on Lauren Scruggs' Instagram a the start of summer and have been hooked on the trend since.

I had a lot of comments/questions on my choker in Monday's post (which inspired today's post).  It's Vanessa Mooney and you can find it here.  You can wear it a few different ways which is a plus.

Here is the choker in the above photo of Lauren's and another favorite of mine - since it's thicker I feel like it has a little more of a fall vibe and have been waiting to wear it.

Here are a couple others that I'm loving at the moment... This black one is simple and thin and this cream one is perfect to break away from the generic black.

The last weekend of the summer before Labor Day - I can't believe it! Have a great weekend soaking up the sun and doing summer-y things before we move into fall! xx

Tailgating Essentials

College football starts up again next weekend - I can't wait to be back in State College and am more than ready for our first game.

Watching the games is one thing but planning the tailgates is another - I love our tailgates just as much (usually more than!) as being in the game.

We have a couple tailgate bins filled with things like plates, cups, napkins, silverware, serving utensils, wipes/santitizer, baggies, tupperware containers, table cloths, etc. that we can easily grab to put into the car.  In addition, 2-3 folding tables, a chair for each person, a canopy tent, a few coolers make the trip down to the stadium with us for most games.

We keep ponchos/rain gear on hand in the "tailgate closet" if we need it.  We rotate between corn hole and ladder golf for entertainment and sometimes the guys even through around a football.

The items below  are great because they aren't school specific, can be used for other events and for non-tailgating fans - they can be used for general gatherings!

Bose Speaker / Tumblers / Beer Caddy / 

Football inflatable cooler / Cocktail napkins / Casserole Tote / 

Beverage tub / Paddle serving board / Tabletop grill

My favorite spot for my tailgate gear (all schools) for things like cornhole, folding tables, platters, baskets, tents and really anything tailgate you could want is Fans Edge.  If you need to stock up for the upcoming season, happy shopping!

What are your favorite tailgate items??

Cheers to football season! xx

Mini Strawberry Shortcakes

These are a great quick dessert and great for either a crowd or small group.  They are also delicious and are very easy to make.

Ingredients:

strawberries

angel food cake cups

whipped cream

sugar

Directions :

Place the angel food cake cups on a platter.  Chop the strawberries into pieces and mix sugar into the bowl then pour an even amount into each of the cups.  Top with whipped cream and serve.

Enjoy! 

It's a Shore Thing

Happy Monday!   It's hard to believe this was one of our last summer weekends with just two more to go.  We had a great time visiting friends at the shore on Saturday doing the beach thing during the day and out for drinks at night leaving time for relaxing at home Friday night and yesterday once we got back.

Our drink of choice was a new one - froze' - frozen rose.  It's delicious and a great summer treat.  Recipe coming soon... 

Have a good week! xx 

Loving

Happy Friday, all! I can't believe that we have just two weekends left before Labor Day - where has this summer gone?? While I'm sad to see summer go, I'm also really ready for fall - it's been far too hot lately... this week included.  We had a fairly low key week but I'm still ready to enjoy another summer weekend soaking up some sun and relaxing.

It's been a few week's since I've done my traditional Friday "Loving" post so I had plenty of new items to pick from to share this week...

Hinge Block Heel Sandals / Throw Pillow / BaubleBar Tassel Necklace / Rebecca Minkoff Crossbody / 

ASTR Tie Neck Dress / Topshop Romper / BaubleBar Drop Earrings / Wood Serving Boards & Holder /

 Sole Society Espadrilles / Rebecca Minkoff Tassel Clutch

Lastly this week...  Lilly Pulitzer After Party Sale is on Monday!  Don't forget to set  your alarms - Happy Shopping!

Enjoy your weekend; cheers! xx

Looks & Life Lately {26}

A good dry bar appointment can last me the weekend - a perfect start on a Friday; especially with girlfriends. 

(dress: flaunt boutique)

Family couch time - one of the only ways to beat the heat these days. 

(dress: sold out online but available in stores.  top version: here)

We walked to dinner the other night and passed some deer on the way home.  

(dress: flaunt boutique)

Even Stella is a fan of the olympics and team USA these days.

After a recent wedding went to, the bride gave me one of the flower arrangements to take home which I was able to turn into five smaller arrangements - three have still lasted and are decorating our first floor.

City views.  Spending the afternoon with friends.

We've been enjoying our deck more often instead of going out but still managed to enjoy a Saturday night steak date night dinner out.

(dress: sold out)

and the daily dose of Stella...